PhD position (13 TV-L / 2)


“Coordination of conformational changes in gyrase during ATP-dependent DNA supercoiling”
available immediately

at the University of Münster, Institute for Physical Chemistry, in the group of Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier. At the moment the regular working hours are 19 hours 55 minutes per week. The position is limited initially to 12 months.

DNA topoisomerases catalyze the inter-conversion of topoisomers in the cell. Gyrase is a bacterial topoisomerase that introduces negative supercoils into DNA in an ATP-dependent reaction. During the introduction of negative supercoils, gyrase undergoes a series of nucleotide and DNA-induced conformational changes (see e.g. Gubaev et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2009 106(32):13278-83; Gubaev et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2011, 108(34):14085-90; Lanz & Klostermeier, Nucl. Acids Res. 2011 39(22):9681-94; Gubaev & Klostermeier, J. Biol. Chem. 2012287(14):10916-21).

This project aims at understanding the coordination of individual conformational changes of gyrase with DNA strand passage and supercoiling. You will characterize DNA gyrase biochemically and biophysically, and prepare it for single molecule FRET experiments. You will plan, execute and analyze single molecule FRET experiments addressing conformational changes of immobilized gyrase. The group has a state-of the art molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory plus confocal single molecule microscopes with alternating laser excitation, and avalanche photodiode detectors, and total internal reflection microscopes with fast CCD detection systems.

Applicants have a master degree or diploma in biochemistry, biophysics or a related field, and have a genuine interest in research and experimental enthusiasm. Previous experience in the preparation of proteins and nucleic acids, molecular biology and biochemical methods is required. Experience in optical spectroscopy and single molecule microscopy, especially total internal reflection microscopy, is advantageous.
Applications of women are specially invited. In the case of similar qualification, competence and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

If you want to work in a stimulating environment as part of an international and interdisciplinary team, please send your application including CV, list of publications, letter of motivation, and two references by August 15 2012 to

Prof. Dr. Dagmar Klostermeier
University of Muenster
Institute for Physical Chemistry
Corrensstr. 28/30
48149 Münster

or to dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de.

For inquiries, please contact dagmar.klostermeier@uni-muenster.de.